Eaton not in race for fifth starter's slot for Phils

PHILADELPHIA -- You can cross off at least one name in the battle for the Phillies' fifth spot in the starting rotation: Adam Eaton.

"For me, the competition based on what we've seen over the last couple of years, is a four-man competition and he's not involved in it," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Saturday. "The way I view it is Chan Ho Park, Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ and Carlos Carrasco."

Eaton is entering the final season of a three-year, $24.5 million contract. He was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games (19 starts) for the Phillies in 2008.

Eaton accepted a minor league assignment in July, returned in September, but was kept off the postseason roster. Charlie Manuel said Eaton will report to spring training next month.

Eaton will likely be used to showcase to other teams who may be willing to trade for him and take on a small portion of his contract, too.

l l l

Chase Utley's rehabilitation from right hip surgery two months ago is progressing steadily. As long as there aren't any setbacks, Utley expects to start swinging a bat around the same time pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training.

"In two to three weeks --- that would be nice," Utley said. "If everything goes as planned, that's what we want to do. And right now, we're on schedule."

Although the estimated time of recovery from his surgery was said to be 4-6 months, Utley, who had the surgery Nov. 24, remains hopeful he'll be ready to play when the Phillies open the regular season April 5.

"It's about listening to my body; right now, we are listening and it's responding well," Utley said. "If that continues to happen, then I don't see why I won't be ready for Opening Day."

l l l

Brad Lidge, who will be honored at Monday night's Philadelphia Sportswiters Banquet as 2008's "Most Outstanding Athlete," pulled off a feat that may never be matched last season.

Sure he was a perfect 48-for-48 in save opportunities, but Lidge also endured an entire season in Philadelphia without being booed.

"I've always braced for it and people have always said, 'Watch out when you get to Philly, you're going to get booed,'" Lidge said with a laugh. "And I was like, 'What do you think went on the last two years in Houston?' People weren't exactly standing on their feet clapping for me.

"I'm sure someday will go out there and not have my stuff. But I understand it. Having been here and seeing that the fans get into each game so much, if you don't perform well, that might happen. If you do perform well, they're going to give you a standing ovation. There's just a lot of passion and enthusiasm here and that's one of the things, personally, that helps me pitch at the top of my game."